Save the Russell Home

This petition is to continue a legacy that started with "Grandma" Vantrease Russell. I am not affiliated with the Russell Home. I am a person that realizes the positive and loving impact the home has for atypical children and adults. Atypical is an individual with a special need whether physical or mental. The adults were actually children at one time in the home and continue to live their entire life there. There is no charge when they become a resident or respite care their entire life. They become part of the Russell family. The Russell Home is known throughout the United States.

The Russell Home was the 1st Special Needs Home in Central Florida in 1951. Unlike other facilities once a child reaches adult age they continue to live at the home.

The home also provides daycare for families that have atypical children at no charge.

The residents of the Russell home aren't kept in a bed and turned over. They are taught to develop to their best potential. There are church services on Sunday. There is school time, there is a playroom, there are weekly dance lessons and recess time. The Russell Home is next door to a park where the wheelchair bound residents are given the opportunity by a staff member or volunteer to enjoy the outdoors.

AHCA (Agency for Health Care Administration) is stating the Russell Home needs to be licensed. However there isn't a license that covers all of the services that the Russell Home offers. They are being given the choice to choose which service or being forced to shut their doors.

If this happens where will these individuals go? Having brain damage is difficult within itself. Being sent to a licensed institution isn't the solution. There needs to be an exception. Some of them can't speak, some are blind. They will be put into a system where they will be left and not able to thrive.